WHO: Obesity drugs and surgery not for under-10s

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

The World Health Organization has released its first guidelines for managing obesity in children and adolescents, prioritizing diet, physical activity, and behavioral support over medication and surgery for those under 10, with limited exceptions for older adolescents. This approach addresses the growing global obesity rates among young people and emphasizes comprehensive, long-term care while cautioning against early use of pharmacological treatments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first set of guidelines on managing obesity in children and adolescents, emphasizing non-medical approaches over medication or surgery for young patients. The recommendations, released on October 9, 2026, respond to the rising global prevalence of obesity among those aged 5 to 19.

According to the WHO, millions of children and adolescents are affected by obesity worldwide. In 2024, approximately 70 million children aged 5 to 9 and 100 million adolescents aged 10 to 19 were classified as obese. The rate of obesity in this age group has increased significantly over the past three decades, rising from 2% in 1990 to 8% in 2024. This trend spans all global regions, reflecting a widespread public health challenge.

The guidelines strongly advise against using pharmacological treatments, bariatric surgery, or weight-loss devices for children under 10 years old. Instead, the WHO recommends structured diets, regular physical activity, and targeted behavioral interventions as the primary methods for managing overweight and obesity in this age group.

For adolescents aged 10 to 19, medication approved for obesity may be considered only if a supervised, comprehensive lifestyle program—incorporating diet, exercise, and behavioral support—fails to achieve effective results. Bariatric surgery is considered an option for adolescents with severe obesity, but only under strict medical supervision and specific conditions.

These recommendations differ from those the WHO issued for adults in December 2025, which acknowledged the role of new appetite-suppressing drugs, such as GLP-1 agonists, in obesity treatment. While these medications are recognized as useful tools in adult care, the WHO cautions against their use in younger populations except in carefully controlled circumstances for adolescents.

Luz Maria De Regil, director of the WHO’s nutrition and food safety department, emphasized that effective care for young people with obesity revolves around providing access to comprehensive support systems. "The foundation of obesity care for children and adolescents is not medicine or surgery, but access to comprehensive support that enables healthy eating, physical activity and sustainable behaviour change," she stated.

The guidelines also highlight the importance of addressing mental health concerns associated with obesity. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can exacerbate unhealthy eating habits, reduce physical activity, and contribute to social isolation. The WHO noted that children and adolescents living with obesity often face stigma and bullying, which may further hinder efforts to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The new WHO guidance aims to steer healthcare providers toward medical and social strategies that focus on holistic care, emphasizing long-term changes rather than quick fixes through medication or surgery for younger populations.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.